Kate Forbes MSP in running for rising star accolade for second year in a row at Scottish Politician of the Year awards

The MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch is one of three MSPs in the running for the rising star award at the annual Scottish Politician of the Year awards.

Kate Forbes MSP, who is serving her first-term as a politician after the 2016 Scottish Parliament elections, is a finalist in the ‘One to Watch’ category – which organisers say is “an award that recognises the MSP demonstrating the most potential to rise through the ranks of their party and/or in Parliament”.

It is the second year in a row that Ms Forbes has been a finalist for the award, though last year Labour MSP Monica Lesson won the category. Ross Greer and Liam Kerr are the other two finalists.

The annual ceremony – in its 20th year – takes place in Edinburgh on the evening of 22 November.

The recognition for Ms Forbes at a national level has been welcomed by Dave Thompson, her predecessor for the Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch seat.

Mr Thompson said: “Since being nominated last year as ‘One to Watch’, Kate has come on in leaps and bounds and is now a Government minister.

“It is great for the Gaidhealtachd to have one of its own at the heart of government, especially a young woman with a strong Christian faith.

“Kate cares deeply about the Highlands and Islands and has a superb intellect balanced by unassuming modesty.

“The people of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch are fortunate, indeed, to have her as their MSP.”

Kate Forbes MSP added: “I love putting the Highlands firmly on the political radar and these awards are a great way of reminding everybody in politics, the press and other spheres of my constituency.

“Of course, it’s an honour too. Whilst politicians get a hard time, and rightly so on many occasions, I know that my colleagues and I do what we do out of a sense of public duty, genuine care for our constituencies and desire to see change.

“Fellow nominees Liam Kerr and Ross Greer are certainly like-minded in that regard.

“Whilst the Politician of the Year awards is more light-hearted than most of my work, it is nice have a little bit of affirmation that I’m doing the right thing.”